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JPM Next Generation Challenge Contest 2026

The Japan Promotional Marketing Association (JPM) is excited to announce the launch of the JPM Next Generation Challenge Contest 2026, aimed at nurturing and identifying future talents in the promotional marketing field. Starting from August 1, 2026, until October 13, 2026, the competition opens its doors for entries, encouraging students and young professionals to present their innovative ideas and solutions.

Objective of the Contest

The JPM Next Generation Challenge Contest was initiated as part of a collaborative effort between academia and industry, with a focus on invigorating the promotional market and enhancing its recognition among younger generations. This initiative invites participants to bridge the gap between consumers and enterprises, encouraging them to devise promotional business strategies that lead to changes in purchasing behaviors.

Who Can Participate?

This contest is uniquely designed to allow not only students from graduate schools, universities, colleges, and vocational schools but also working professionals aged up to 29 years old to compete on an equal footing. Participants can compete individually or in groups of up to three, bringing together diverse perspectives in tackling the challenges presented.

Entry Categories

Participants can choose from two entry courses:

Entry A: Next Generation Marketing & Promotion Planning

This category focuses on creating a proposal that emphasizes strategic thinking, logic, and overall narrative structure, presented in a PowerPoint format.

Entry B: Next Generation Creative & Promotion Production

This category invites participants to design tangible outputs such as event layouts or display designs, presented in a horizontal A3 format.

Contest Themes

Participants can select from the following themes to develop their proposals:

1. Sponsorship Company Challenge:
Participants will address a challenge presented by Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd., focusing on enhancing the demand and purchase frequency of their box-type “DONBURI” products. Practical promotional proposals are sought that illuminate a pathway to broaden consumers’ engagement throughout the year.

2. Open Challenge:
Participants are encouraged to identify and creatively solve challenges faced in society or within companies. Proposals leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI or the metaverse to energize products or stores are particularly welcome.

Evaluation Criteria

The entries will be evaluated based on:

• - Problem Solving (Logic): Is the rationale for the approach clearly articulated, and is a path toward behavioral change evident?
• - Originality and Vision (Creativity): Does the submission break away from conventional frameworks, presenting a unique idea with a vision aimed at the near future?
• - Feasibility (Reality): Does the proposal translate beyond an idea into specifics that consider brand value and available resources?

The evaluation process consists of a preliminary review, followed by assessment by industry professionals, leading to selection of finalist entries.

Important Dates

• - Entry Period: August 1, 2026 - October 13, 2026, 23:59
• - Entry Fee: Free of charge
• - Submission Method: Participants can enter via the application form available on the JPM Association’s website starting August 1.
• - Final Review Date: December 16, 2026, with presentations and Q&A sessions to determine the winners.

Awards and Recognition

Winners will be announced at the final presentation event and will receive the following prizes:

• - Grand Prize: 100,000 JPY
• - Marketing Award: 50,000 JPY
• - Creative Award: 50,000 JPY
• - Special Sponsor Award: 20,000 JPY

The award ceremony will be part of the JPM Awards event planned for early February 2027.

For detailed guidelines and updates on the contest, please visit the official JPM website at JPM Contest Details.

With the hope of discovering new talents and innovative marketing ideas, the JPM Next Generation Challenge Contest 2026 is poised to inspire the next wave of marketing professionals.